‘Supporting Intel ISEF just makes sense’

As the Society and participants around the world gear up for Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) 2017 in Los Angeles, California, we’re highlighting several Special Award Organizations (SAO). These SAO’s honor several Intel ISEF finalists with awards such as tuition scholarships, math software, and more.

NASA has been involved with Intel ISEF for many years. NASA recognizes Intel ISEF finalists with $20,000 in awards. Read our interview with NASA’s Public Outreach Manager Stacey Brooks below.

These students are the scientists, engineers, and leaders of tomorrow.

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT INTEL ISEF? WHY ARE SCIENCE FAIRS LIKE INTEL ISEF IMPORTANT: NASA has always looked to the future, and we participate because we recognize these students are the scientists, engineers, and leaders of tomorrow. Science fairs like ISEF promote ingenuity, creativity, hard work, and excellence. These are all qualities NASA and others need in their future workforce, so supporting Intel ISEF just makes sense.

As we look to take humans beyond Earth, and to developing the technologies that will allow us to do that, STEM is the backbone of that work.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR NASA TO SUPPORT STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are what we do at NASA. As we look to take humans beyond Earth, and to developing the technologies that will allow us to do that, STEM is the backbone of that work. As we explore distant worlds and look closer at our own planet, STEM guides us every step of the way.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR BUSINESSES AND THE GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT SCIENTISTS OF THE FUTURE: It’s important that NASA, and other government agencies who invest in science and technology, stay connected with researchers at all stages of their careers. While these students still have a lot ahead of them, their fresh ideas inspire new ideas and approaches to the challenges we see.

In addition, our judges are always inspired and energized with what they see each year. It is always refreshing to interact with the students at ISEF. We also think it’s important for future researchers to understand that there are many ways to participate in research, including those that benefit our society at large.

ADVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN SCIENCE AND MATH: Keep going! Keep thinking! Many of NASA’s workforce have had both successes and failures along the way; STEM is not always easy, but that’s what makes it so captivating.

Throughout history, some of our greatest achievements came from what we initially thought of as failures. Future habitats on Mars and other objects beyond Earth, cleaner and more advanced aviation, space technologies and advancements that will improve our lives, and distant discoveries are all waiting for the next generations of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to carry on.

STEM is not always easy, but that’s what makes it so captivating.

ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD: We know many families, educators, and support staff are behind every poster presented at the fair and all the events leading up to it. We would like to thank all of you for encouraging and standing behind these students as they ask new questions and explore their universe.

Intel ISEF 2017 takes place May 14-19. The Special Award Ceremony winners will be announced on May 18.